Friday, September 14, 2018

Pleasing Him

We are social creatures. We have been created to function in relationship. And we crave such interaction, such closeness.

Sometimes that desire for closeness leads us into dangerous waters. We become people pleasers. Our words, actions, and even thoughts become subject to the goal of pleasing others. "Don't rock the boat!" "Oh, I don't know what they would think of this!"

Listen instead to these words from Paul to the church at Galatia after clearly denouncing those who were saying false things about God and His salvation message. He came down hard on such deception and he knew he was in danger of losing their affection.

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." (my emphasis)

One thing was clear to Paul. He gave up the popularity contest when He began to follow Jesus. Oh, it's true that Christ is love and kindness and a bringer of peace. But He is so on His terms with His definitions. After all, He is God; He is Truth itself and Love itself. That domain belongs to Him alone.

Paul understood that Christ and His ways would not always be popular with the crowds. His daily poll rating would lag behind those with flashy smiles, smooth words, and wily promises.

He knew that if crowd pleasing is the end goal then don't choose to serve Christ.

Think about it.

Sometimes words of love must be tough words to say and to hear. And holiness will always be contrary to the latest self-indulgent trend. Let's face it: Dying to your own will and way isn't a popular message for people who are charmed by a jingle declaring that they can "Have it your way!" even at the nearest fast-food restaurant. If Burger King can serve up egotism for just a dollar, what's the matter with God?

So wake up this morning, give thanks to the God of all eternity for a new day, submit to Him your broken life in return for a power-filled life, and be a God-pleaser in thought, word, and deed.